This October, the internationally acclaimed Akram Khan Company marks its 25th anniversary with a special residency at Sadler’s Wells, presenting two captivating productions that showcase the company’s innovative approach to dance.
With performances at both Sadler’s Wells Theatre in Angel and the newly opened Sadler’s Wells East in Stratford, the residency offers audiences a chance to experience the breadth of Akram Khan’s artistry, from his latest work to a beloved family favourite.
Sadler’s Wells has a new hip hop programme, too.
At Sadler’s Wells Theatre, the company will present the UK premiere of Thikra: Night of Remembering from Tuesday, October 28, to Saturday, November 1. This new production, which debuted earlier this year at Wadi AlFann in AlUla, Saudi Arabia, is a collaboration between Akram Khan and renowned visual artist Manal AlDowayan. Featuring an all-female cast of contemporary and Bharatanatyam dancers, Thikra is a deeply evocative exploration of memory, ancestry, and ritual.
Drawing inspiration from the ancient landscape and cultural heritage of AlUla, Thikra delves into themes of collective learning, healing, and the enduring connection between past and future. The Arabic word “thikra,” meaning memory or remembrance, serves as the foundation for the production, which weaves together mythology, sacred practices, and contemporary existence. With an original score by Aditya Prakash, sound design by Gareth Fry, and lighting by Zeynep Kepekli, the production creates a sensory-rich experience that honors the power of ritual and ancestral knowledge.
Also catch the new production by Sadek Berrabah’s Murmuration at Sadler’s Wells while you can.
Manal AlDowayan’s contributions further elevate the production, bringing her expertise as a visual artist whose work is held in prestigious collections such as the British Museum and the Guggenheim. Together, Khan and AlDowayan craft a performance that is both personal and universal, inviting audiences to reflect on the stories and traditions that shape our identities.
For younger audiences and families, Akram Khan Company brings the much-loved Chotto Desh to Sadler’s Wells East from Thursday, October 30, to Saturday, November 1. Adapted by Sue Buckmaster from Khan’s Olivier Award-winning solo DESH, this heartwarming production tells the story of a young boy navigating his dreams and memories, spanning his life in Britain and his ancestral roots in Bangladesh.
Chotto Desh, meaning “small homeland,” blends Kathak and contemporary dance with spoken text, animation, and an enchanting musical score. The production captures the wonder of childhood and the power of storytelling, as a man revisits the tales shared by his grandparents and reflects on his journey to find his place in the world. This reimagined version of Chotto Desh introduces a new generation to Khan’s cross-cultural storytelling, making it a perfect family outing.
To complement the performances, Sadler’s Wells East will host a family dance workshop on The Dance Floor, the venue’s free public performance space. Designed for children aged 7 and up, the workshop combines storytelling and dance, offering an accessible and engaging way for families to connect with the themes of Chotto Desh.
The 25th anniversary residency is a significant moment for Akram Khan Company, which has become one of the world’s most innovative dance companies over the past quarter-century. Led by Sadler’s Wells Associate Artist Akram Khan, the company has consistently pushed the boundaries of Indian kathak and contemporary dance, earning numerous awards and accolades along the way.
This residency not only celebrates the company’s remarkable journey but also highlights its commitment to creating work that resonates across generations and cultures. From the deeply spiritual and visually stunning Thikra to the playful and poignant Chotto Desh, the two productions reflect the company’s ability to balance tradition and innovation, past and present.
Akram Khan Company’s residency at Sadler’s Wells runs from October 28 to November 1, 2025. Don’t miss the UK premiere of Thikra: Night of Remembering at Sadler’s Wells Theatre or the return of Chotto Desh at Sadler’s Wells East. Whether you’re drawn to the profound exploration of memory and ritual in Thikra or the heartwarming storytelling of Chotto Desh, this anniversary season promises to be a celebration of dance, culture, and creativity.